Rolling Exercise Device and Methods of Exercise

ABSTRACT

Hand-held, portable exercise device which enables the user to strengthen muscles and joints by performing various exercises, the device having a base structure defining a receptacle and supporting at least three omnidirectional rotational elements. A grip element, which may be spherical, has a lower surface positionable on the receptacle and has an upper gripping surface that is convex in at least two dimensions. A hand retaining strap is positionable over the gripping surface of the grip element such that a hand of a human user, the hand having a palm surface and a back surface, can be inserted between the retaining strap and the gripping surface, the palm surface of the user&#39;s hand contacting the gripping surface while the retaining strap contacts the back surface of the user&#39;s hand to secure the exercise device to the hand.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/959,252 filed on 10 Jan. 2020. The entire contents of theabove-mentioned application are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to hand-held exercise devices and methods forphysical exercise, and more particularly to utilizing rolling exerciseequipment to strengthen and stretch various muscle groups as well asincreasing flexibility during use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many forms of exercise equipment currently in use, includingtreadmills, stair climbers, rowing machines, and other large equipment.However, these machines typically require a lot of floor space, cost alot of money, and are limited to people who have normal health, withoutfear of injury.

Many types of hand-held equipment have been described and attempted,with varying degrees of acceptance. A hand-roller exercise apparatus isdisclosed by ZIBARRAS et al. in Canadian Patent No. CA 2,434,904 A1. Anupper/lower body exercise machine is described by Kyong Am AN in WO2009/075493 A2. A portable exercise device is described by ChristianBLAHA in WO 2014/047023 A1.

It is therefore desirable to have a hand-held exercise device thatminimizes physical injury, encourages repeated use, and can bemanufactured at a relatively low cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a hand-held exercisedevice, and methods of using one or two of these devices at a time, thatstrengthen and stretch various muscle groups as well as increase userflexibility.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a device andmethods that can be used in relatively small spaces for many differenttypes of exercises.

Yet another object of the present invention is for such device to berelatively affordable, highly reliable, and to minimize personal injuryduring use.

A still further object of the present invention is to enable customizingor other modifications to suit particular needs of certain users, suchas physical therapy for users with acute and/or chronic injuries orother afflictions such as arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

The term “omnidirectional” is utilized herein to refer to movement on asurface, such as a floor or a wall, in any direction along that surfaceincluding up or down, back and forth, and circular motions.

The term “rotational element” includes all types of casters such assingle-wheel and double-wheel casters.

The phrase “convex in at least two dimensions” includes a sphere orother rounded object that is curved along more than one curvilineardirection, but excludes a cylinder.

The term “substantially” as utilized herein encompasses deviations of upto ten percent, such as “substantially spherical” encompassing roundedobjects having deviations up to ten percent from a true sphere.

This invention features a portable exercise device having a basestructure defining a receptacle and supporting at least threeomnidirectional rotational elements. A grip element, which issubstantially spherical in some embodiments, has a lower surfacepositionable on the receptacle and has an upper gripping surface that isconvex in at least two dimensions. A hand retaining strap ispositionable over the gripping surface of the grip element such that ahand of a human user, the hand having a palm surface and a back surface,can be inserted between the retaining strap and the gripping surface,the palm surface of the user's hand contacting the gripping surfacewhile the retaining strap contacts the back surface of the user's handto secure the exercise device to the hand.

In some embodiments, the grip element is removably attached at its lowersurface to the receptacle, such as by mating hook-and-loop patches thatare secured to the lower surface of the grip element and to a contactsurface on the receptacle. In certain embodiments, the grip element hasa first weight and at least one additional grip element has a secondweight that is different from the first weight. In one embodiment, thegrip element has a first gripping surface hardness and at least oneadditional grip element has a second gripping surface hardness that isdifferent from the first gripping surface hardness. The differenthardness may be provided by utilizing a different material, such as foamor rubber, and/or by providing different levels of inflation pressure.

In certain embodiments, the hand retaining strap is adapted to begripped by the palm of a user's hand when the grip element is removedfrom the device and the user's hand is inserted between the handretaining strap and the receptacle. In some embodiments, the rotationalelements are casters, and the receptacle is triangular and supportsthree casters. In certain embodiments, the receptacle carries at leastone strap attachment element such as an eye-type opening or a D-ring.

This invention may also be expressed as an exercise kit, also referredto herein as an equipment set, including at least two exercise devices,each device including: (i) a base structure defining a receptacle andsupporting at least three omnidirectional rotational elements; (ii) agrip element having a lower surface removably attachable to thereceptacle, having a first weight, and having an upper gripping surfacethat is convex in at least two dimensions and has a first grippingsurface hardness; and (iii) a hand retaining strap positioned over thegripping surface of the grip element such that a hand of a human user,the hand having a palm surface and a back surface, can be insertedbetween the retaining strap and the gripping surface, the palm surfaceof the user's hand contacting the gripping surface while the retainingstrap contacts the back surface of the user's hand to secure theexercise device to the hand.

In some embodiments, the kit further includes at least two additionalgrip elements each having a second weight that is different from thefirst weight. In certain embodiments, the kit further includes at leasttwo additional grip elements each having a second gripping surfacehardness that is different from the first gripping surface hardness. Inone embodiment, each receptacle carries at least one strap attachmentelement and the kit further includes at least one resilient resistancestrap connectable to the strap attachment element. In some embodiments,the kit further includes at least one pair of additional resistancestraps that provide a different amount of resistance. In certainembodiments, the kit includes a portable wall section having a pluralityof strap attachment elements such as eye-hooks and/or includes aportable floor section having a plurality of strap attachment elements.

This invention may be further expressed as a method for exercisingselected muscles of a user, including selecting at least one exercisedevice having: (i) a base structure defining a receptacle and supportingat least three omnidirectional rotational elements; (ii) a grip elementhaving a lower surface removably attachable to the receptacle, having afirst weight, and having an upper gripping surface that is convex in atleast two dimensions and has a first gripping surface hardness; and(iii) a hand retaining strap positioned over the gripping surface of thegrip element such that a hand of a human user, the hand having a palmsurface and a back surface, can be inserted between the retaining strapand the gripping surface, the palm surface of the user's hand contactingthe gripping surface while the retaining strap contacts the back surfaceof the user's hand to secure the exercise device to the hand. The methodfurther includes placing the at least one exercise device on a surface,and moving the at least one exercise device in different directionsacross the surface to at least one of strengthen and/or stretch theselected muscles of the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In what follows, preferred embodiments of the invention are explained inmore detail with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a RollerBall™ exercise deviceaccording to the present invention with a spherical grip element securedto a wheeled platform;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are rear and side views, respectively, of the exercisedevice of FIG. 1 ;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are bottom and top views, respectively, of the exercisedevice of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the exercise device of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are exploded rear and side views, respectively, theexercise device of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 8A is a schematic perspective view of a spherical grip element witha Velcro hook-and-loop patch utilized according to the presentinvention;

FIGS. 8B-8E are schematic perspective views illustrating ranges in thesize of the grip element relative to different hand sizes of adultsand/or children;

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of an exercise device similar tothat of FIG. 1 connected to a strap attachment;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the back of a user holding a pair ofexercise devices according to the present invention and moving them incircular patterns against a vertical wall;

FIG. 11 is a schematic back view of a pair of the hand-held exerciseequipment against a vertical wall with the user standing and moving one,up, while the other moves down, with a lean towards the bottom handleaning down;

FIG. 12 is a schematic back view of a pair of the hand-held exerciseequipment against a wall with the user standing tall and moving over tothe right side and then the left side;

FIG. 13 is a schematic back view of a pair of the hand-held exerciseequipment with the user squatting and doing side bends right and left;

FIGS. 14A-14B are schematic back views of a pair of the hand-heldexercise equipment moved against a wall with the user squatting, FIG.14A, and standing, FIG. 14B;

FIG. 15 is a schematic back view of the hand-held exercise equipmentagainst a wall with the user reaching side to side as far as possible;

FIG. 16 is a schematic back view of the hand-held exercise equipmentagainst a wall with the user in the front position and placing theexercise equipment at chest height to then roll both hands inward whileboth elbows move upward;

FIG. 17 is a schematic back view of a pair of the hand-held exerciseequipment with the user in the front position engaged in “Body Bend Sideto Side”;

FIG. 18 is a schematic view of a single hand-held exercise equipmentwith the user in the front position standing without a wall;

FIG. 19 is a schematic side view of the hand-held exercise equipmentwith the user in a side position, left leg forward, utilizing a singleRollerBall™ device in a circular motion;

FIG. 20 is a schematic side view of the hand-held exercise equipmentwith the user in the side position, right leg forward, rolling an arm ina backward circle and then a forward circle;

FIG. 21 is a schematic front view of the hand-held device with the userstanding with back to the wall (Rear Position) while moving the devicein inward (counter-clockwise) and outward (clockwise) movements;

FIG. 22 is a schematic front view of the hand-held device with the userstanding with back to the wall while moving the one hand up and one handdown, while leaning on the bottom hand;

FIG. 23 is a schematic front view of the hand-held device with the userstanding with back to a wall and performing a right-side bend at thewaist and then a left-side bend at the waist;

FIG. 24 is a front perspective view of the hand-held device with theuser standing with back to a wall and performing a right-side bend atthe waist and then a left-side bend at the waist from a squat position;

FIGS. 25A and 25B are schematic front views of the hand-held device withthe user standing with back to a wall and holding the RollerBall™devices up overhead, FIG. 25A, and then squatting, FIG. 25B, beforereturning to a standing position;

FIG. 26 is a schematic front view of the hand-held device with the userstanding with back to a wall and bending side to side;

FIG. 27A is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device on afloor with the user standing with feet apart moving side to side;

FIG. 27B is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device withthe user standing with feet together moving side to side on a floor;

FIGS. 28-30 are schematic side views of the hand-held device with theuser standing initially with feet together and then moving frontward andbackwards on a floor;

FIG. 31 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with theuser kneeling on one knee and foot and moving side to side on a floor;

FIG. 32 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with theuser lunging alternating with left foot and right foot;

FIG. 33 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with theuser kneeling on both knees and moving side to side;

FIG. 34 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with theuser kneeling on both knees rolling out to work abdominals and back;

FIG. 35 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with theuser kneeling on both knees and rolling in inward and outward circles;

FIG. 36 is a schematic perspective view of the user in a sittingposition with the RollerBall™ devices in both hands and stretchingforward;

FIG. 37 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with theuser in sitting with one leg crossed over the other at a time androlling RollerBall™ devices forward;

FIG. 38 is a back view of the user shown in FIG. 37 ;

FIG. 39 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with theuser in sitting position and rolling forward and backward;

FIG. 40 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with theuser sitting in sitting position and rolling both forward to the sameside for a stretch;

FIG. 41A is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device withthe user sitting, FIG. 41A, and rolling out, FIG. 41B, to the left andright sides;

FIGS. 42A-42B are a schematic perspective view of the hand-held devicewith the user sitting rolling in an arc;

FIGS. 43A-43C is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held devicewith the user sitting and twisting in a half-circle;

FIGS. 44-45 are schematic perspective views of a user in a sittingposition with exercise devices between legs, FIG. 44 , and on eitherside of one leg at a time, FIG. 45 ;

FIGS. 46-49 show the back of a user lying on a floor and conductingdifferent movements with a pair of exercise devices according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 50A is a schematic top view of an exercise device with the ballelement removed and a user's hand secured in a reverse grip hand-strapwith the back of the strap removably engaged with the exercise device,which can then be moved along a wall or a floor;

FIG. 50B is a schematic top view of the Velcro™ hook-and-loop patch onthe back of the hand-strap shown in FIG. 50A;

FIG. 50C is a schematic perspective view of the hand-strap itself;

FIG. 50D is a top view of the exercise device of FIG. 50A with eyes forconnecting with accessories and showing a mating patch on the exercisedevice;

FIG. 51 is a schematic perspective view of a portable wall sectionconnected with a portable floor section to facilitate methods accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 51A is a schematic perspective view of a standing platform whichcan be utilized with the wall section shown in FIG. 51 ; and

FIG. 51B is a schematic perspective view of a multi-purpose platformhaving a seat platform and a kneeling platform for use with the floorsection shown in FIG. 51 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This invention can be accomplished by hand-held, portable exerciseequipment which enables the user to strengthen muscles and joints byperforming various exercises, the equipment including at least oneportable exercise device having a base structure defining a receptacleand supporting at least three omnidirectional rotational elements. Agrip element, such as a spherical ball, has a lower surface positionableon the receptacle and has an upper gripping surface that is convex in atleast two dimensions. A hand retaining strap is positionable over thegripping surface of the grip element such that a hand of a human user,the hand having a palm surface and a back surface, can be insertedbetween the retaining strap and the gripping surface, the palm surfaceof the user's hand contacting the gripping surface while the retainingstrap contacts the back surface of the user's hand to secure theexercise device to the hand.

In one construction, the exercise device includes: (i) a triangularreceptacle plate supporting three rotational elements such as casters,(ii) a fixable, preferably removable curvilinear grip object such as around ball removably secured to the center of the plate, and (iii) ahand strap passing over the grip ball. The center of gravity of theexercise device preferably is located at a low-profile position, in thevicinity of the axes of the casters. Therefore, the user is able toperform exercises safely and with high stability.

Hand-held exercise equipment according to the present invention has beendesigned to optimize small work-out spaces and minimize potentialinjury. It occupies minimum indoor space, is easily manufacturable at arelatively low cost and can be retailed at a reasonable price, and canbe safely used by anyone according to the user's physical condition,especially when customized for physical therapy as described in moredetail below. It enables the user to perform a variety of exercises eventhough the design is relatively simple. Accessories may be included suchas resistance strap attachments.

A portable exercise device 10 according to the present invention, FIGS.1-7B, has a triangular base structure 12 defining a receptacle 14 andsupporting at least three omnidirectional rotational elements 16 such ascasters 17, 18 and 19. A grip element 20, such as a spherical ball, hasa lower surface 22, FIGS. 6-7B, positionable on a contact surface 15,FIG. 6 , of the receptacle 14 and has an upper gripping surface 24,FIGS. 6-7B, that is convex in at least two dimensions.

A hand retaining strap 30, FIGS. 1-3 and 5-7B, is positioned over thegripping surface 24 of the grip element 20 such that a hand of a humanuser, typically an adult with each hand having a palm surface and a backsurface, can be inserted between the retaining strap 30 and the grippingsurface 24. As shown in more detail in FIGS. 8B-8E, the palm surface ofthe user's hand contacts the gripping surface while the retaining strap30 contacts the back surface of the user's hand to secure the exercisedevice 10 to the hand.

As best shown in FIG. 7A for one construction, retaining strap 30 has afirst strap portion 32 which forms a loop 33 as a second strap portionis folded on top of the first portion 34. In one strap construction, auser places a hand beneath the first strap portion 32 with a palm on thegripping surface 24 and the back surface of the hand against a pad 35,FIGS. 5 and 7A. In another strap construction, a user places a handbetween the second strap portion 34 and the first strap portion 32. Areleasable fastener 36, FIG. 7 , such as mating hook-and-loop patches,provides adjustability for the strap 30 in this construction and alsoassists removal of the grip element 20 as described in more detailbelow. The loop 33 and an anchor portion 38, FIGS. 4 and 7A, engagestabs or eyes in base 12 to secure the strap 30 to the base 12.

One construction of the grip ball 20 shown in FIGS. 1-7B is illustratedin FIG. 8A with a Velcro hook-and-loop patch 60 that mates with contactsurface 15, FIG. 6 . Also illustrated in FIG. 8A is weight indicia 62which reads “2 lb” in this construction indicating that grip ball 20 hasa weight of two pounds. Grip balls can be provided in one- or two-poundincrements such as 4 lbs, 6 lbs, 8 lbs, etc. Ball diameters typicallyrange from three inches to five inches, preferably between 3.5 inches to4.5 inches such as approximately 4 inches. Grip balls can also beprovided in “small”, “medium” and “large” sizes such as 3.0-3.5″,4.0-4.5″ and 5.0-5.5″. FIGS. 8B-8E are schematic perspective viewsillustrating ranges in the size of the grip element relative todifferent average hand sizes of adults such as standard glove sizes;alternatively, average youth sizes can be specified. Standard grip ballstypically have a rigid outer surface, referred to herein as a firstsurface hardness.

Customizing or other modifications can be made to the grip ball andother components of exercise devices according to the present inventionin order to suit particular needs of certain users, such as physicaltherapy for users with acute and/or chronic injuries or otherafflictions such as arthritis, joint replacements or carpal tunnelsyndrome. For example, lighter-weight grip balls can be formed ofclosed-cell or open-cell foam, inflatable rubber balls that can beinflated to different levels of firmness, or other resilient-typematerials can be utilized to provide softer surface hardness for thegripping surface of the therapeutic grip balls.

The base 12, FIGS. 1-7B, is illustrated as a molded polymeric component,but that is not a limitation of the invention. An exercise device 10 a,FIG. 9 , has a base 12 a constructed of metal.

The exercise device of FIGS. 1-7B can be utilized with variousaccessories such as shown in FIG. 9 with accessory strap 70 referred toherein as a “resistance strap” or a “resistance band”. A clasp or otherclip-type element 72, 74 at each end of strap 70 is engageable with astrap attachment element 40 such as eyes 42, 44, 46, FIGS. 1-7B andstrap attachment element 40 a, FIG. 9 . The body 76 of the strap 70 canbe formed in different thicknesses and/or be made of different materialsto provide different resistance levels, e.g. light, medium, heavy.

The exercise devices, according to the current design, are typicallyused in a, pair as a set to perform a variety of exercises for theuser's upper and lower body, including the exercises shown in FIGS.10-49 , for example. When exercising, only a single device and/or a pairsimultaneously, may be used.

Brief Descriptions of Methods-Of-Use Terms

Inward Circles—Right and left hands roll inward (clockwise motion byleft hand, counter-clockwise motion by right hand).

Outward Circles—Right and left hands roll outward (counter-clockwisemotion by left hand, clockwise motion by right hand).

Front Position—Standing and facing the wall. May also refer to facing afloor (which may have a mat or other contact surface).

Rear Position—Standing with back to wall or floor.

Heels In and Toes Out—Heels together with toes pointing outward.

Heels Out and Toes In—Toes touching with heels separated from eachother.

Toe Touch Position—Standing and bending at the waist with fingerstouching toes.

Right Knee, Left Foot Position—Kneeling with Right knee on the mat andleft foot is on the mat.

Left Knee, Right Foot Position—Kneeling with Left knee is on the mat andright foot is on the mat.

Layout Overhead Position—On knees, laying forward, hands extended withRollerBall™ devices on floor. The user's chin or forehead may be placedon the floor.

Double Knee Sit Back Position—Kneeling on both knees, sitting on legs.

Straight Leg Position—Sitting with legs straight out in front

Basic Sit Position—Sit on Buttocks with legs straight out in front, backstraight

Sit Left Cross Position—Basic Sit Position with left leg crossed overright leg

Sit Right Cross Position—Basic Sit Position with right leg crossed overleft leg

Sit Left “L” Position (in)—Basic Sit Position, right leg extended, leftheel in against right knee.

Sit Right “R” Position (in)—Basic Sit Position, left leg extended, rightheel in against left knee.

Sit Left “L” Position (out)—Basic Sit Position, right leg extended, leftheel out, knees touching.

Sit Right “R” Position (out)—Basic Sit Position, left leg extended withright heel out, knees touching.

Sit V-Spread Position—Basic Sit Position with legs spread in a V shape.

Right Side Roll-out—Basic Sit Position while rolling RollerBall™ devicesto right side.

Left Side Roll-out—Basic Sit Position while rolling RollerBall™ devicesto the left side.

Referring to methods of use in general, the user may utilize the round,circular grip ball or the hand strap or both. The ball is gripped in theuser's hand, with or without the strap tightened over the back of theuser's hand. The strap provides extra stability.

The exercise equipment as described above is used to perform a varietyof exercises illustrated in FIGS. 10-49 . The exercises are simple andcan be performed by those out of shape, older, as part of post-surgeryrehabilitation, general rehabilitation, with those with special needs,or just beginners. The user will bend and stretch to strengthen jointsand muscles. The exercise equipment can be gradually made a morechallenging for athletes who need a good stretch or wish to maintaintheir tone by stretching safely. This can be safely done by adding theweighted balls or the band attachment.

When the user positions themselves in the plank position, or modifiedplank position with their knees on the ground, they push the exerciseequipment out forward and back towards them. This repeated exercise isessentially a modified plank with abdominals being strengthened.

When the user, in the sitting on the floor position, moves the hand-heldexercise equipment from next to their sides to the back of them, whilethey lower their top half of their body back down to the floor. Thenthey lift themselves up again, while sliding the exercise equipment backforward, as they rise. The user, by repeating the serial exercises, canobtain the same exercise effect as sit-ups, but with more control overuse of muscles in the back and abdomen.

The user holds a pair of the exercise equipment in both hands in thekneeling position and stretches arms forward. By stretching the arms bythe user's own need and gradually increasing the stretching distance,the user is able to strengthen muscles and joints of the waist,abdominals, arms and shoulders.

Another form of exercise is performed by the user sitting on the floorwhile stretching arms forward. The upper body will stoop forwardstrengthening muscles of the abdominals, waist, and arms.

When stowing exercise equipment or packaging in the current invention ofthe exercise equipment overlap in a way that both plates sit next toeach other conveniently and slide into their stowing bag. There will beno parts for the user to put together and no room for error. Theequipment will be shipped as a finished product, ready to use and takingup a very small space.

As will be readily apparent after reading this disclosure, alternativepositions can be utilized to conduct exercises according to the presentinvention, including using a chair, a stool, or other support. Specificexamples of such methods of use are described more fully as follows.

RollerBall™ Fitness Standing Exercises Using a Wall:

Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 10-17 illustrate standing exercisesusing a vertical wall W. FIG. 10 shows the user U standing and moving inclockwise and counter-clock wise (inward and outward) circles withexercise devices 100 and 200 according to the present invention. User Uwould be facing the wall W, known as the front position, the left handrolls clockwise in an inward/outward motion with device 100 while theright hand rolls counter clockwise in an inward/outward motion withdevice 200. Done simultaneously, this is called “Inward Circles”.Alternatively, while facing the wall W, known as the “front position”,the left hand rolls counter clockwise in an outward/inward motion whilethe right hand rolls clockwise in an inward/outward motion. Donesimultaneously, this is called “Outward Circles”.

FIG. 11 shows the hand-held exercise equipment with the user standingand moving one up on wall W, while the other moves down, with a leantowards the bottom hand leaning down. This is called “One Up/One Down”.In the front position the left hand rolls up, while simultaneously theright hand rolls down, bending slightly at the waist towards the handthat is down.

FIG. 12 shows the hand-held exercise equipment with the user standingtall and moving over to the right side and then the left side on wall W.From front position roll both hands to the right keeping arms straightand bending at the waist to control varying degrees of stretch.

FIG. 13 illustrates the hand-held exercise equipment with the usersquatting and doing side bends right and left with the equipment rollingon wall W. This is called the “Side Bend”. From the front position bendknees to a squat position, then bend at the waist and roll.

FIGS. 14A-14B are views of the hand-held exercise equipment against awall W with the user squatting, FIG. 14A, and standing, FIG. 14B. Thisis called the “Squat and Stand”. In the front position, place both handsoverhead on the wall and move your body to a squat position, letting theRollerBall™ devices roll down with and to your chest level. This isknown as the “Squat Roll Down Position”. Stand back up to the frontposition, while rolling hands back up to the overhead position.

FIG. 15 illustrates the hand-held exercise equipment with the userreaching side to side along a wall W as far as possible. This is called“Side to Side”. In the front position, turn both feet facing outwardthen stretch both arms out to the side and roll left RollerBall™ deviceoutward to the left bending left knee out to the left. Reverse directionand do the same on the other side with the other RollerBall™ device.

FIG. 16 is a view of the hand-held exercise equipment with the user inthe front position and placing the RollerBall™ devices at chest heightto then roll both hands inward while both elbows move upward. Roll thedevices on wall W outward and move elbows downward to side. This iscalled “Elbows Up and Down”.

FIG. 17 is a view of the hand-held exercise equipment with the user inthe front position at wall W. The RollerBall™ exercise devices arepositioned shoulder height, keeping arms in place, shift body left andright, bending slightly at the waist. This is called “Body Bend Side toSide”.

RollerBall™ Fitness Standing Exercises Without Wall:

Free-standing exercises without a wall are illustrated in FIGS. 18-20 .FIG. 18 is a view of the hand-held exercise equipment with the user inthe front position (single RollerBall™ device held with both hands).Roll both hands to the left and right, bending slightly at the waist.This is called “Side to Side with Bend”. Next, or alternatively, rollboth hands in a clockwise, then counter-clockwise circle; circularpatterns are shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 for alternative stances asdescribed below. This exercise with two hands together is called“Clockwise/Counter-Clockwise”. As another alternative, the grip elementitself can be utilized without the base structure, especially when twohands are placed together on one device such as illustrated in FIG. 18 .

FIG. 19 is a view of the hand-held exercise equipment with the user in aside position, left leg forward, utilizing a single RollerBall™ devicein a circular motion, rolling an arm in a backward circle and then aforward circle. This is called “Single Side Backward/Forward Circle”.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the hand-held exercise equipment withthe user in the side position, right leg forward, rolling an arm in abackward circle and then a forward circle referred to as “Single SideBackward/Forward Circle”.

RollerBall™ Fitness Standing Backward to Wall (Reverse Movements)Exercises:

Utilizing two rolling exercise devices with a user's back to the wall isillustrated in FIGS. 21-26 . FIG. 21 is a view of the hand-held devicewith the user standing with back to the wall W (Rear Position) whilemoving the device in inward (counter-clockwise) and outward (clockwise)movements. Standing in rear position, both hands are placed in overheadposition. The right hand moves in a counter-clockwise motion while theleft hand moves clockwise at the same time. The same is done in theexact opposite direction to create outward circles. Stand in rearposition with hands in overhead position. Right hand moves in clockwisemotion while the left hand moves in a counter-clockwise motion.

FIG. 22 is a schematic front view of the hand-held device with the userstanding with back to the wall W while moving the one hand up and onehand down, while leaning on the bottom hand. Standing in rear positionplace hands in overhead position, lower right hand while bending at yourwaist at the same time, raise the left hand and push in an upwardmotion. Repeat this same sequence, lowering the left hand while bendingat the waist while raising the right hand, pushing it in an upwardmotion.

FIG. 23 is a schematic front view of the hand-held device with the userstanding with back to wall W and performing a right-side bend at thewaist and then a left-side bend at the waist. Standing in rear positionplace hands in overhead position and bend left with both RollerBall™devices, then bend right and roll both hands over.

FIG. 24 is a schematic front view of the hand-held device with the userstanding with back to wall W and performing a right-side bend at thewaist and then a left-side bend at the waist from a squat position.Squatting in real squat position place hands in overhead position andbend left at the waist while rolling RollerBall™ devices to the leftside. Then bend right, at the waist, while RollerBall™ devices roll tothe right.

FIGS. 25A and 25B are schematic front views of the hand-held device withthe user standing with back to wall W and holding the RollerBall™devices up overhead, FIG. 25A, and then squatting, FIG. 25B, beforereturning to a standing position. Standing in rear position place handsin overhead position. Squat down to rear squat position, rolling bothhands down to pull down position. Stand back up to standing rearposition and roll both hands upward, back to overhead position.

FIG. 26 is a schematic front view of the hand-held device with the userstanding with back to wall W and bending side to side. Start in “heelsin and toes out” rear position. Placed hands in wing span position andmove left, moving the right RollerBall™ device in an inward motion. Rollthe left RollerBall™ device in while shifting the hips and rightRollerBall™ device out in a fencing-like motion.

RollerBall™ Fitness Standing/Without Wall/On the Floor Exercises:

Utilizing exercise devices in a kneeling position on a floor F isillustrated in FIGS. 27A-30 . FIG. 27A is a schematic perspective viewof the hand-held device with the user standing with feet apart movingside to side on the floor F. Starting in the “toe touch position”,RollerBall™ devices are placed on the floor in between feet RollerBall™devices and torso will roll left and right from side to side.

FIG. 27B is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device withthe user standing with feet together moving side to side on the floor F.Start in the toe touch position. Place Rollerball™ devices on the flooron the side of feet. RollerBall™ devices and torso will roll left andright from side to side.

FIGS. 28-30 are schematic side views of the hand-held device with theuser standing with feet together moving frontward and backwards on afloor. Start in a toe touch position with right foot in front of theleft foot. RollerBall™ devices are placed on the floor in front of rightfoot. Roll both hands forward and then drag RollerBall™ devices back.

FIG. 30 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device withfeet aligned, moving side to side on a floor. Start in the toe touchposition. Place both RollerBall™ devices on each side of feet. Roll leftand right using both RollerBall™ devices at the same time.

RollerBall™ Fitness in the Kneeling Position:

Utilizing exercise devices in a kneeling position on a floor F isillustrated in FIGS. 31-35 . FIG. 31 is a schematic perspective view ofthe hand-held device with the user kneeling on one knee and foot andmoving side to side. Starting in the “right knee, left foot position”,place both RollerBall™ devices on the floor in front of left foot. Rollfrom side to side maintaining balance on knee and foot. Starting in the“left knee, right foot position”, place both RollerBall™ devices on thefloor in front of the right foot. Roll from side to side, maintainingbalance on knee and foot.

FIG. 32 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with theuser lunging alternating with left foot and right foot. Start from“right knee, left foot” position. Place both RollerBall™ devices on thefloor on each side of your foot. Roll both hands out in a forwardmotion, extending your knee and hip forward, rolling both hands back andextending knee and hip back to start position.

FIG. 33 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with theuser kneeling on both knees and moving side to side. Start from thedouble knee position. Place both RollerBall™ devices out, with head andtorso in the “layout over head position”. Roll from left to right, backand forth, rolling arms as far left and right as needed.

FIG. 34 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with theuser kneeling on both knees rolling out to work abdominals and back.Start from the double knee position and place both RollerBall™ devicesout in front of body, in the “double knee sit back position”. Roll bothRollerBall™ devices out and back in.

FIG. 35 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with theuser kneeling on both knees and rolling in inward and outward circles.Start from the double knee sit back position. Roll both hands out andinward, with left hand clockwise and right hand counter-clockwise. Thenstart from the same double knee sit back position and roll both hands inand outward, with right hand in a clockwise direction and the left handin a counter-clockwise direction.

RollerBall™ Fitness in the Sitting Position:

User in sitting position is shown in FIGS. 36-43 . FIG. 36 is aschematic perspective view of the hand-held device with the user insitting with the RollerBall™ devices in both hands and stretchingforward. Start in the “basic seated position”. Place RollerBall™ deviceson each side of knees and roll forwards with both hands and then, rollback to original position.

FIG. 37 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with theuser in sitting with one leg crossed over the other at a time androlling RollerBall™ devices forward, and FIG. 38 is a back view of theuser shown in FIG. 37 . Start in the basic seated position. Cross leftleg over the right leg in the “straight leg position”. Place theRollerBall™ devices on each side of knees and roll forward with them andthen back to original position. Then start in the basic seated positionand cross right leg over the left leg in the straight leg position.Place RollerBall™ devices on each side of knees and roll forward withboth RollerBall™ devices and roll back to original position.

FIG. 39 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with theuser in sitting position and rolling forward and backward. Start in thebasic seated position. Roll both RollerBall™ devices from the side ofknees forward to the forward lean position and then roll bothRollerBall™ devices backward to the backward stretch position and leanback. Come back to original position.

FIG. 40 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with theuser sitting in sitting position and rolling both forward to the sameside for a stretch. Start in basic sit position. Place both RollerBall™devices on the right side of hips. Roll both forward to the right ankleand back to original position.

The hand-held devices are shown with the user sitting, FIG. 41A, androlling out to the left and right sides, FIG. 41B. Start in the basicsit position. Place both RollerBall™ devices at right hip and roll outto right rollout position shown in FIG. 41B. Rollouts can be performedon all angles going to the right. Then start in the sit position again.Place both RollerBall™ devices at left hip and roll out to rolloutposition on left side. Rollouts can be performed on all angles to theleft.

FIGS. 42A-42B are a schematic perspective view of the hand-held devicewith the user sitting rolling in an arc. Start in the sit position.Place both RollerBall™ devices on each side of hip in the rolloutposition and roll in an arc motion from hip to ankle and roll back tohips. Arc motion can be executed on both sides.

FIGS. 43A-43C are schematic perspective views of the hand-held devicewith the user sitting and twisting in a half-circle. Start in sitposition. Roll the left RollerBall™ device forward in a half-circlemotion, while the right RollerBall™ device rolls back In a half-circlemotion. Switch are directions and swivel waist side to side.

FIGS. 44-45 are schematic perspective views of a user in a sittingposition with exercise devices between legs, FIG. 44 , and on eitherside of one leg at a time, FIG. 45 .

FIGS. 46-49 show the back of a user lying on a floor F and conductingdifferent movements with a pair of exercise devices according to thepresent invention.

Components for an alternative “reverse grip” exercise device 500 areshown in FIGS. 50A-50D. FIG. 50A shows an exercise device 500 with theball element removed and a user's hand with palm P secured in a reversegrip hand-strap 530 with the back of the strap removably engaged withthe exercise device. Device 500 has a triangular base structure 512defining a receptacle 514 and supporting at least three omnidirectionalrotational elements 516 such as casters 517, 518 and 519. The Velcro™hook-and-loop patch 510 on the back of the strap 530, FIG. 50B, engageswith a mating patch 515, FIG. 50D, on the exercise device 10 describedabove as engaging the ball 20 with gripping surface 24, FIGS. 1-8E.

The hand-strap 530 is shown by itself in FIG. 50C. Base structure 512 a,FIG. 50D, also has attachment eyes 42, 44, 46 as strap attachmentelements to enable connection with accessories.

It will be apparent after reviewing this disclosure that motions shownwith certain devices along a vertical wall can be conducted along afloor with those or other devices according to the present invention,and visa versa. Portable wall section 600 is shown in FIG. 51 has asmooth surface 610 connected with a portable floor section 700, having asmooth surface 710, to facilitate methods according to the presentinvention. Wall section 600 has four eye-hooks 602, 604, 606 and 608 onone side of the wall 600 and eye-hooks 612, 614, 616 and 618 on anotherside. User U1 is shown in a standing position gripping devices 100 a and200 a according to the present invention. Device 100 a can be connectedby resistance bands to one or more of eye-hooks 602, 604, 606 and/or608, while device 200 a can be connected by resistance bands to one ormore of eye-hooks 612, 614, 616 and/or 618.

Similarly, user U2 is shown in a seated (sitting) position grippingdevices 300 a and 400 a according to the present invention. Device 300 acan be connected by resistance bands to one or more of eye-hooks 606,608 and/or 702, while device 400 a can be connected by resistance bandsto one or more of eye-hooks 616, 618 and/or 704.

FIG. 51A illustrates a standing platform 650 which can be utilized forstep-type exercises by user U1 at the wall section 600, FIG. 51 . FIG.51B shows a multi-purpose platform 740 having a seat platform 750 and akneeling platform 760 for use by user U2 with the floor section shown inFIG. 51 .

Although specific features of the present invention are shown in somedrawings and not in others, this is for convenience only, as eachfeature may be combined with any or all of the other features inaccordance with the invention. For example, motions shown with certaindevices along a vertical wall can be conducted along a floor with thoseor other devices according to the present invention, and visa versa.Additionally, sizes can be selected according to body sizes of differentusers such as children of various ages or different-sized adults. Whilethere have been shown, described, and pointed out fundamental novelfeatures of the invention as applied to a preferred embodiment thereof,it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changesin the form and details of the devices illustrated, and in theiroperation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, it is expresslyintended that all combinations of those elements and/or steps thatperform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way,to achieve the same results be within the scope of the invention.Substitutions of elements from one described embodiment to another arealso fully intended and contemplated. It is also to be understood thatthe drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but that they aremerely conceptual in nature.

It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by thescope of the claims appended hereto. Other embodiments will occur tothose skilled in the art and are within the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable exercise device, comprising: a basestructure defining a receptacle and supporting at least threeomnidirectional rotational elements; a grip element having a lowersurface positionable on the receptacle and having an upper grippingsurface that is convex in at least two dimensions; and a hand retainingstrap positionable over the gripping surface of the grip element suchthat a hand of a human user, the hand having a palm surface and a backsurface, can be inserted between the retaining strap and the grippingsurface, the palm surface of the user's hand contacting the grippingsurface while the retaining strap contacts the back surface of theuser's hand to secure the exercise device to the hand.
 2. The device ofclaim 1 wherein the grip element is substantially spherical.
 3. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein the grip element is removably attached at itslower surface to the receptacle.
 4. The device of claim 3 wherein matinghook-and-loop patches are secured to the lower surface of the gripelement and to a contact surface on the receptacle.
 5. The device ofclaim 1 wherein the grip element has a first weight and furtherincluding at least one additional grip element having a second weightthat is different from the first weight.
 6. The device of claim 1wherein the grip element has a first gripping surface hardness andfurther including at least one additional grip element having a secondgripping surface hardness that is different from the first grippingsurface hardness.
 7. The device of claim 1 wherein the hand retainingstrap is adapted to be gripped by the palm of a user's hand when thegrip element is removed from the device and the user's hand is insertedbetween the hand retaining strap and the receptacle.
 8. The device ofclaim 1 wherein the rotational elements are casters.
 9. The device ofclaim 8 wherein the receptacle is triangular and supports three casters.10. The device of claim 1 wherein the receptacle carries at least onestrap attachment element.
 11. An exercise kit comprising: at least twoexercise devices, each device including: (i) a base structure defining areceptacle and supporting at least three omnidirectional rotationalelements; (ii) a grip element having a lower surface removablyattachable to the receptacle, having a first weight, and having an uppergripping surface that is convex in at least two dimensions and has afirst gripping surface hardness; and (iii) a hand retaining strappositioned over the gripping surface of the grip element such that ahand of a human user, the hand having a palm surface and a back surface,can be inserted between the retaining strap and the gripping surface,the palm surface of the user's hand contacting the gripping surfacewhile the retaining strap contacts the back surface of the user's handto secure the exercise device to the hand.
 12. The kit of claim 11further including at least two additional grip elements each having asecond weight that is different from the first weight.
 13. The kit ofclaim 11 further including at least two additional grip elements eachhaving a second gripping surface hardness that is different from thefirst gripping surface hardness.
 14. The kit of claim 11 wherein eachreceptacle carries at least one strap attachment element and furtherincluding at least one resilient resistance strap connectable to thestrap attachment element.
 15. The kit of claim 14 further including atleast one pair of additional resistance straps that provide a differentamount of resistance.
 16. The kit of claim 11 further including aportable wall section having a plurality of strap attachment elements.17. The kit of claim 11 further including a portable floor sectionhaving a plurality of strap attachment elements.
 18. A method forexercising selected muscles of a user, comprising: selecting at leastone exercise device including: (i) a base structure defining areceptacle and supporting at least three omnidirectional rotationalelements; (ii) a grip element having a lower surface removablyattachable to the receptacle, having a first weight, and having an uppergripping surface that is convex in at least two dimensions and has afirst gripping surface hardness; and (iii) a hand retaining strappositioned over the gripping surface of the grip element such that ahand of a human user, the hand having a palm surface and a back surface,can be inserted between the retaining strap and the gripping surface,the palm surface of the user's hand contacting the gripping surfacewhile the retaining strap contacts the back surface of the user's handto secure the exercise device to the hand; placing the at least oneexercise device on a surface; and moving the at least one exercisedevice in different directions across the surface to at least one ofstrengthen and/or stretch the selected muscles of the user.